B.C. Travel Guide

Gulf Islands

Northern Gulf Islands ( Discovery Islands )

- Cortes Island  - Quadra Island  - Sointula

Southern Gulf Islands

- Denman-Hornby Isl  - Gabriola Island  - Galiano Island  - Mayne Island  - Pender Island  - Salt Spring Island  - Thetis Island

Rentals

bicycle : motor : scooter

Site Information

- Member Registration

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

The area of the Gulf Islands National Park for decades has been a mecca for marine adventure , especially around the islands of Mayne Island, Pender Island and Galiano Island for kayakers, scuba divers and boaters. A island wilderness playground covered in caves and rock clefts, surrounded by uninhabited forests of leaning Arbutus trees, cedars and Douglas Firs.

The Gulf Islands National Park was officially declared Canada's 40 National Park in May of 2003. The official crowning of the Strait of Georgia Lowlands as the Gulf Islands National Park is, still, today one of the biggest undertakings by the Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy. If not for the work of the environmentalist, locals and the Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy we might not have the luxury of this park today.

Stretching out over a total area of 33 square kilometres including a 25 metre intertidal zone! The park wonders in and out of 16 islands and is Canada's 5th smallest park. The Gulf Islands National Park is next to some populated islands and includes a busy waterway used by ongoing marine transportation vessels thus making it one of the most urbanized of parks because it is next to civilization.

Exploring the uninhabited island's inlets, bays and coves away from the major marine traffic lanes is drawing kayakers, boaters and scuba divers from around the world to experience the peaceful, private and rugged landscape. Located in the southern Gulf Islands includes such popular island kayaking destinations as Cabbage Island, Isle-de-Lis, Princess Margaret, D’Arcy Island, Winter Cove, Sidney Spit, Beaumont Marine, Prior Centennial and McDonald Provincial Parks.

The National Park is populated with evidence of the First Nations people and their historic past. Long ago the First Nations people lived among these scattered islands using some areas as ceremonial burial sites and for places of worship thus becoming sacred ground. Please do not approach or disturb anything on these First Nations sacred sites.

Kayaking and boating the Gulf Islands National Park is one of the most popular ways of seeing the park. The many channels and inlets open up views of rocky cliffs, caves and the rediscovery of deserted islands. Wildlife is abundant in the area. Kayaking or boating the Gulf Islands National Park enjoys the company of wildlife like seals, Sea Lions, porpoises, whales and many different varieties of marine birds like the Blue Heron and predator birds like the Bald Eagle and the Red Tail Hawk.

Throughout the Gulf Islands National Park there are marked areas for wilderness camping, some day-use areas with pit toilets and some short hiking and walking trails. All wilderness camping areas have phenomenal views and are pristine clean ... so lets keep it that way. Pack in what you pack out. Please abide by the " no trace camping " rules. Fires are permitted in the Gulf Islands National Park in the marked areas only and within a specified time of season.

How to get to Gulf Islands National Park

The Gulf Islands National Park main islands of Galiano, Mayne and Pender Islands are accessed by a BC Ferry from the Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and the Tsawwassen terminal on the mainland in Vancouver. Most of the beautiful areas of the park are accessed only via a kayak, sailboat or motor boat including the most popular areas like the Belle Chain, Sidney Spit, Java, Georgeson, Portland, Rum, D’Arcy, Brackman, Prevost, Cabbage, Tumbo, Pine Islet, Channel Islets, Russell, Dock, Imrie, Red Islets, Hawkins, Blunden, Samuel Islet and Isabella Islet.

HOMEPAGES:
- British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Island
- Gulf Islands

Nature Parks

Pac Rim Parks - Pacific Rim National Park - Long Beach - Broken Islands - West Coast Trail - Wild Pacific Trail North Island Parks - Cape Scott Park - Strathcona Park - Schoen Lake - Morton Lake - Elk Falls - Rebecca Spit Marine - Miracle Beach Central Island Parks - Cathedral Grove - Stamp Falls - Sproat lake - Horne Lake Caves - Little Qualicum Falls - Englishman River Falls - Rathtrevor Beach South Island Parks - Newcastle Island - Gordon Bay - Cowichan River - Carmanah Walbran - Roche Cove - Galloping Goose - Elk Beaver Lake - Juan de Fuca - French Beach - Goldstream - Sidney Spit - Ruckle Park - Montague Harbour - Gulf Isl. National Park Island Adventures - Island Fishing - Golf Courses - Surfing - Whale Watching - Wineries & Vineyards - Kayaking